I Am Rama

The Binge
I Am Rama

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To some he was an enlightened master, and to others a dangerous cult leader. One thing’s for sure, the spiritual leader Rama was a product of the 80s: designer clothes, a rock band, sports cars and a modern message were only some of the things that made Rama a fascinating and complex teacher. Host Jonathan Hirsch explores his life and untimely death. Smoke Screen is an investigative documentary series on people with complex motives and morals. Follow characters on the fringes of society - con artists, cult leaders, corrupt politicians - as they seduce their marks and bend communities to their will. Join us as we unravel their stories and bring justice to the people they've deceived. Smoke Screen: I Am Rama is part of The Binge - subscribe to listen to all episodes, all at once, ad-free right now. From serial killer nurses to psychic scammers – The Binge is your home for true crime stories that pull you in and never let go. Follow The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases wherever you get your podcasts to get new stories on the first of the month, every month. Hit ‘Subscribe’ at the top of the Smoke Screen: I Am Rama show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com. The Binge – feed your true crime obsession. A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Golden Light

    Rama was a man of many faces: teacher, tech entrepreneur, friend - and to some, a scam artist. This episode introduces Rama, examining the world from which he came, the way he shaped those who entered his orbit for better and for worse, and the mysterious circumstances around his demise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    40 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Becoming

    This episode follows Frederick Lenz III from his early days and education through his introduction to spiritualism with his mentor, Sri Chinmoy, at the dawn of the New Age. Young Freddie  becomes “Atmananda,” a recruiter for his mentor, until it becomes time to strike out on his own, as Zen Master Rama. If you want to know more about Rama’s early years, you can read more from the people who we interviewed for this episode. Liz Lewinson’s book is called “American Buddhist Rebel The Story of Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz.” Mark Laxer's books is called “Take Me For a Ride, Coming of Age in a Destructive Cult.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    30 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    California Dreaming

    Rama’s growth as a spiritual teacher in the mid-80s starts in California but takes him and his students all over the country. Rama defines his doctrine, turning his attention to the potential of the computer industry. But for his students, it’s not always easy to keep up with their teacher, or stay in his good graces. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    32 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Spiritual Contract

    Will Arntz is a man of many talents, from filmmaker to laser physicist. In this episode, Will relives the time he spent studying with Rama and how it changed his life. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    47 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Brenda

    A young woman follows Rama to New York, and mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind many to wonder what happened. In this episode, people who knew and loved Brenda Kerber piece her story back together. If you have any information about the death of Brenda Kerber that wasn’t reflected in this episode, please contact the White Plains Police Department in New York at https://whiteplainspublicsafety.com/submit-a-tip/ or 914-422-6111. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    42 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Deprogramming

    Rama finds himself in the crosshairs of the Cult Awareness Network, a group dedicated to extricating people from what they consider to be cults by “deprogramming” them. But Rama’s students tell a much different story. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    45 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Accused

    Multiple women accuse Rama of sexual misconduct and emotional manipulation. Many of Rama’s students defend their teacher. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    29 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Public Opinion

    As Rama’s image took a hit in the public sphere, his students circled the wagons around their teacher. In something of a last ditch effort to win over the media, Rama accepts an invitation to appear on Dateline. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    32 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    Conscience Bay

    Power trips to paradise and never-before shared knowledge -- were these golden times, or Rama’s way of saying goodbye? This episode explores the final years leading of Rama's life. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    32 min

  10. EPISODE 10

    Legacy

    In this episode, we explore all that Rama left behind: students, a charitable foundation, music, books, and a complicated legacy. A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    36 min
See All Season 2 (10)

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New Season Drops 1/1 - All Episodes, All at Once

US$4.99/month or US$39.99/year

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About

To some he was an enlightened master, and to others a dangerous cult leader. One thing’s for sure, the spiritual leader Rama was a product of the 80s: designer clothes, a rock band, sports cars and a modern message were only some of the things that made Rama a fascinating and complex teacher. Host Jonathan Hirsch explores his life and untimely death. Smoke Screen is an investigative documentary series on people with complex motives and morals. Follow characters on the fringes of society - con artists, cult leaders, corrupt politicians - as they seduce their marks and bend communities to their will. Join us as we unravel their stories and bring justice to the people they've deceived. Smoke Screen: I Am Rama is part of The Binge - subscribe to listen to all episodes, all at once, ad-free right now. From serial killer nurses to psychic scammers – The Binge is your home for true crime stories that pull you in and never let go. Follow The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases wherever you get your podcasts to get new stories on the first of the month, every month. Hit ‘Subscribe’ at the top of the Smoke Screen: I Am Rama show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com. The Binge – feed your true crime obsession. A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.

Information

  • Channel
    The Binge
  • Creator
    Sony Music Entertainment
  • Episodes
    12
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sony Music Entertainment
  • Provider
    Pod Sub LLC

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